Don't Send a Search Party. We have Resurfaced

A beautiful picture from Jockey's Ridge

in Nags Head, North Carolina

It's been SOOOO long I feel like I should re-introduce myself.  We have been on quite a ride lately.  Let me see if I can justify my absence. 

Since my last post, the family took a MUCH NEEDED vacation, started school and started sports activities.  We were gone for 2 weeks.  IT WAS FANTASTIC.

We started off in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Instead of doing the usual two weeks in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, we decided to break the trip up with a few days in Williamsburg and it was a perfect decision.  We stayed at Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites.  I was a little worried since we purchased a VERY CHEAP package that included 3 days/2 nights at the hotel, free breakfast each morning, and family passes to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.  I'm not sure what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised.  The room was very clean (yet small) and the customer service was fabulous.  The hotel was nestled in a quiet and beautiful setting and our family had a wonderful time.  If anything came out of this experience, it's the ToddlerTown can't do a one bedroom hotel room anymore.  6 people is just too many for a small room. 

On the day we visited Busch Gardens (it's been over 25 years since my last visit), it was a tad overcast and threatening rain all day.  Sounds bad but the park was almost empty and the ToddlerTown moved around with no lines anyway.  I must say, I am a pretty cool mom.  I rode about 10 different roller coasters and had a blast.  It was a perfect day.

The next day we headed to Water Country USA.  Again, overcast in the morning but then about 12:30 the sky cleared and it was gorgeous.  We ended up having a wonderful time.  We opened and closed the park.  Again a perfect day.

After a couple of days of amusement park fun, we headed to the Outer Banks.  We usually stay in Corolla, NC but this year took a chance on Kill Devil Hills.  I have always been afraid of that area just because it is so commercial compared to Corolla BUT yet again, it was perfect.  We stayed in a 4 level townhouse across from the ocean but it was a short distance from the beach and not a problem.  The best part was the complex had a water park for the kids.  It wasn't anywhere near Water Country USA but definitely did the trick.  A couple of days the beach was closed because of riptides but since the weather was gorgeous, we just hung out at the water park.

My sister and her family (she has 4 boys) joined us for a few days and it was a blast.  The kids played wonderfully together and we all had a memorable time.

After my sister and her family left, we decided to do something we in general don't do.  We ventured out into the town to partake in some of the activities.  We literally stumbled across a place called Jockey's Ridge State Park.  It was heaven.  If you have time, check out their website.  It's truly a beautiful area.  We also did a small amusement park, went out to eat a few times and just enjoyed flying kites and being together.

AND NOW WE ARE BACK IN THE real world.  School started, soccer started, and softball started.  We are in full swing.  All the kids got great teachers and everyone is so enthusiastic about learning. 

In other news . . .

Sir T had his first 2 soccer games this past weekend and they won both of them.  The team is a completely different team than last summer.  They acquired about 5 new boys that are very talented.  I'm so happy that Sir T is on a great team that appears to have great potential for the coming season.  We teach our children all the time that winning isn't everything but I must say we have mastered losing and these first 2 wins are such a great feeling.  I'm so proud of him and how hard he works.

Sir K is also doing soccer again.  This year we have a bigger field and a goalie.  I think Sir K was a little tired during and after the game.  I must say, they are playing on a huge field.  Poor guy was exhausted after the game.  He had a couple of break-aways (which daddy loved) and almost scored two goals.  I am super proud of his efforts.

Lady E started softball this past weekend as well.  We don't know anyone on the team but the coach is really great with the girls.  He even said she had a very accurate throwing arm (she got that from me of course).  She looks good out there on the field.  I must say she is a little powerhouse and seems to be able to play any sport. 

Lady A is still sporting the crazy hairdo she gave herself.  I've gotten used to it now.  We signed her up for a soccer clinic at school.  It's so hard to fit her into the schedule and have something just for her but the pre-school was offering this program so I thought it was a good way to get her into soccer but not have to run her around on the weekends (yet).  It starts this week so I know she will be so excited.

Willy's foot is back to normal.  He relapsed a bit while we were on vacation and it turns out the bacterial infection might now have been gout.  Either way, he's back up and running and doing well.  I am sort of out of my funk.  Had a small problem at work with one of my bosses that is also a good friend.  I guess there is a reason people say don't mix business with pleasure.  Our friendship was damaged a bit during the miscommunication but I'm sure we will be fine in the long run.  I just have to maintain some distance for awhile. 

That's about it.  Today Willy has an all day meeting so I got all the kids ready and put everyone where they belonged and now am trying to do a little work (after I finish this blog).   I'm so excited about the school year and all the potential I see.  We have back to school night tomorrow so it will be nice to meet the teachers and sit in every one's desk for a bit.  That always makes me cry.

Until next time . .

 

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE TODDLERTOWN

Wow it's been a looooong time.  I know I really don't have much to add to the blog-world but I decided I was going to keep this up so that the kids would have something to read one day to remember stuff.  So this is just a quick update on what has been going on here at the ToddlerTown.

 

Sir T - He had his very first trip without the family.  Against every fiber of my being, I agreed.  He went with his best friend's family to their grandparent's house in Salisbury, Maryland.  God bless the father.  I think he saw how sad I was about the trip and sent pictures around the clock of their fun time.  I got pictures of them fishing, crabbing, boating, rafting, swimming in the lake and ocean, etc.  It made it easier for sure to see him having fun.  I'm not going to lie, it was the toughest 3 days of my life.  I know I have to learn to let go but man it isn't easy.  He is still cutting grass and making a nice little bankroll.  I love watching him mow.  He is very precise with his lines and does such a great job.  He is also getting ready for the soccer season to start up again.  Daddy has been doing short runs with him at night to get his endurance up.  As always, I am so proud of him.  He is growing up well adjusted and kind.  What more could a mommy wish for.

 

Sir K - He has discovered the XBox.  Ouch for Sir T that's for sure.  About 3 weeks ago, he hooked up with his cousin online to play Minecraft.  It's been quite a struggle ever since.  Sir T and him go around-and-around over possession of this little black box.  It's quite a sore subject at the ToddlerTown lately.  He has totally recuperated from his skateboard to the head accident back in early July.  The doctor did a great job.  He doesn't have any scarring.  I love the way Sir K cares about me.  He has been making my coffee every morning lately and is always there to help me with groceries, chores, etc.  I'm overwhelmed with joy when I think about how blessed I am to have him in my life.

 

Lady E - I love watching her play with Sir K.  They are like twins.  I don't know if I ever mentioned this before but Lady E had a twin that we lost shortly after 11 weeks in-utero.  Watching her play with Sir K always makes me think about what would have been if she truly had a twin brother or sister.  She is reading a lot this summer.  She recently got into the Junie B. Jones books.  We are trying this summer to go to the library more.  So far so good.  The biggest news of all - Lady E lost her first tooth.  I'd like to say it was a magical moment but Sir K actually karate-chopped it out.  Oh well, she was happy with the $5.00 from the tooth fairy.  I love the way Lady E is so strong and smart.  I see BIG things in her future.

 

Lady A - She is such a delight.  She keeps us laughing all day long.  She absolutely loves the water.  She is thoroughly enjoying water play day on Mondays at school and when she gets home, she can't get her bathing suit on and into the small baby pool we have in the backyard fast enough.  She loves to wear dresses (which is such a contrast to Lady E who wouldn't be caught dead in a dress) and carry a purse basically all the time.  She loves dresses in fact so much that she has at least 4-5 wardrobe changes a day.  She is a precious gift sent from God.

 

Willy - Willy got (I have no clue how) a bacterial infection in his foot.  I finally got him to go to the doctor after he couldn't walk for almost 2 days.  He was diagnosed and put on medicine but then it got worse.  He finally had to go to the ER on Saturday.  We think they have it under control now.  The medicine seems to be working and he is starting to be able to walk again. 

 

As for me, I'm still in a bit of a slump.  It's been going on for awhile now.  I get completely overwhelmed with all my duties and it just piles on during the summer.  It sure doesn't help watching everyone go on vacation for weeks at a time and we stay and fight the good fight.  Oh well - our time is near.  Our family vacation starts soon and we have a few surprises planned for the kids.  I'm really looking forward to time away.

 

In other news, the home right behind us caught fire a few weeks ago and did over $250,000 in damage.  We didn't know the people that lived there but every morning I just stare at the destroyed house and count every blessing I have.  It makes me sad to think of all the personal belongings that are just gone in an instant. 

 

In gross news, our neighbor called me at work the other day to inform me that their dog had a run-in with a cooperhead snake.  This is the same neighbor that shares a fence with us.  WAY TOO CLOSE.  I've been avoiding the backyard lately (for obvious reasons).

 

Until next time. . .

Tuesday Tidbits

OUCH

Poor Sir K

 

Nothing really going on so far today.  I'm sitting here at my computer taking a quick break from a VERY busy morning.  We have a BIG transaction closing at the end of the month and somehow I got right in the middle of it.  I guess I shouldn't say somehow.  I asked to be on this transaction because it's new and very important to the company's future.  I think I have mentioned before that I work for a company that is winding down its businesses and will not be around in another 5-7 years (at least in the current form).  It's sad for me to think I won't be coming here for much longer.  I have grown to really love and appreciate many of the people I share my days with here at work.  I do know that change is (slowly) coming (and remember I don't do well with change) and it scares the bejesus outta me.

 

In other news . . .

 

Sir T went to bed last night with the IPAD.  We didn't know he did this and of course this morning he is a wreck.  He says he stayed up until around 11 pm (not sure if I believe him).  Tonight I will have the IPAD under lock and key.  God knows what he was googling.

 

Sir K is very excited to get his stitches out possibly tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.  The boys are going to a local pool with the SACC program so I'm praying the doctor says he's cleared to swim.  It would break his heart if he can't.

 

Lady E is going to her BFF's birthday party tomorrow.  It's a pool party and Willy is taking her.  The party is at the local "club" in our neighborhood.  We don't belong to the "club".  There is a 7-10 year waiting list AND it isn't even all that.  Go figure.

 

Lady A is all excited today for camp because she is making a bird's nest out of art supplies.  She couldn't wait to get to camp this morning.

 

Willy is doing fine.  He said he wasn't feeling well the other day but he seems to have rebounded.  I'm doing o.k.  I think I have pinkeye (REALLY?).  I haven't EVER had pinkeye before.  Good grief the stuff you contract with 4 kids.  Luckily we have an in-house clinic here at work so I'm going down this afternoon for a checkup.  Wish me luck.

 

Enjoy the rest of your day.   Count your blessings and I will catch up with you later.

 

 

Is It Possible? Do I Miss Them?

The bathroom in the picture is not our new

bathroom but pictures are coming soon

 

I woke up this morning on my own terms.  This is the first day WITHOUT the workers in over 2 months.  I hit the snooze button 3 times (JUST BECAUSE I COULD).  It was the perfect morning for this too because we were all EXHAUSTED from the 3 day weekend.  I'll be posting pictures soon of our new bouncing bathrooms.  WE LOVE THEM ALL.

 

In other news . . .

 

Big news on the Sir T front.  I think I mentioned before Willy and I have been walking T around the neighborhood looking for lawn mowing jobs.  Well he got his first job.  Thursday he will be mowing his first yard.  Willy and I have a great surprise for him.  We purchased a small ride on this afternoon at Sears.  I'm so excited for him.  I remember riding the lawn mower when I was young and thinking I was the coolest kid in town (I wasn't but I sure did feel like it).  I felt so grown up.

 

Sir K is doing well.  Although he told us a few weeks ago that he didn't like soccer, he's been playing excellent.  We noticed that he is really getting some speed to him and if he says he wants to score, he generally does.  I hope he continues with soccer.

 

Lady E has poison ivy all over her face.  It looks terrible.  I was extremely busy at work the other day and had to send her off with it dried up but not very attractive looking.  God bless her.  She's handling it like a trooper.  She is actually sick today and stayed home with Willy.  As of this writing, she's back and doing fine.  School tomorrow little lady.

 

Lady A is as funny as ever.  Lately, she has been pretending she is a police woman and she runs around the house trying to arrest people.  It's really cute.  Last week, I had a conference with her preschool teacher and she is doing fantastic at school.  I am so excited to watch her grow.  She is a complete joy to us.

 

Willy and I had some friends over Saturday night.  We had a wonderful time hanging out and laughing with friends.  The kids also had a blast.  Found out on Sunday morning that they were playing in my car and left the keys in the ignition and all the lights on ALL NIGHT.  Hence the car wouldn't start.  Battery COMPLETELY dead.  Thank God for our handyman neighbor Mr. D.  He had an industrial battery charger and got us up and running again.  Thanks Mr. D.

 

That's about it.  As always the kids are great.  The house is great.  Our jobs are great.  Life is great.  Until next time remember to count your blessings and I'll catch up with you later.

Tuesday Tidbits

 

 

Today is rainy and dreary here at the ToddlerTown.  This could be the reason for my "down-ness".  I hope you have nicer weather where you are and your disposition is brighter.  We have A LOT going on this week.  We have soccer practice almost every night this week, a birthday to celebrate and a First Communion.

In other news . . .

Sir T won his first soccer game of the season on Sunday.  It was rainy and cold but a GREAT victory for the boys.  I absolutely love all the boys (and their families) on Sir T's team.  They are all nice, respectful and kind young men.  I was over the moon to see them win.  We are not all about winning here at the ToddlerTown but it was a very sweet victory.  Thursday is Sir T's 11th birthday.  He is so excited.  I'm happy for him but in a state of complete disbelief.  It seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms for the first time.  I have loved EVERY second of this boy and am SO proud of him.

 

Sir K has almost completed 2nd grade Religious Education classes and his First Communion is this Sunday.  After the Mass, we plan on taking the family and grandparents for a nice brunch to celebrate his sacrament.  Sir K announced after his soccer game on Saturday that he does not like soccer.  He wants to run and all but soccer is not his sport.  So, with that said, we are in hot pursuit of a new sport for my little man.  We are thinking gymnastics or some kind of marital arts.

 

Lady E had a great game on Saturday.  Unfortunately we had to split up because Sir K's game was at the exact same time so I didn't get to see her play.  I was excited though to hear about her 3 goals when I caught up with her at home.  

 

Lady A is perfect (as usual).  She is really into having a "best friend" at school now.  It's not the traditional best friend.  It's the kind that changes daily.  She comes home every day with a new best friend and of course a cute story about how much fun she had with her BFF.

 

Willy is fine and I'm o.k.  That's about it.  Take care of yourself and I will catch up with you soon.

 

 

My Heart Hurts Today

I knew yesterday was going to be a little different.  You see the kids were off of school for a teacher workday and I was watching them while I teleworked.  Before Willy left for work in the morning, we had made plans for all of us to meet for lunch near his work.  Around lunch time, I called everyone together and we headed out.  As we were walking out the door, I saw a news alert on my phone that said someone had won the Boston Marathon.  I really didn't give it much thought since I'm not a runner and didn't know anyone running.  So when a few hours later I saw there had been an explosion at the finish line, I was confused.  I thought the race was over hours earlier.

 

I turned on the television and my heart just starting aching.  It just brought back all those horrible feelings from 9/11.  Living in this area, the thought crosses my mind several times a week that something like this could happen around here easily AND now it has happened in Boston.

 

This picture literally breaks my heart

 

It's just so overwhelming.  Be strong Boston.  You are in our prayers.

 

 

 

Tuesday Tidbits

 

 

Today is just as gorgeous as yesterday EXCEPT for one minor detail - I'M SITTING IN MY OFFICE WATCHING IT FROM WORK.  Boo-hoo for me. 

 

The renovations are going great.  They have almost finished the boy's bathroom.  They put the first coat of paint on Friday.  I selected Benjamin Moore Brandon Beige and it's gorgeous. 

 

Brandon Beige 977 by Benjamin Moore

 

 

Today, I believe, their goal is to finish up the painting and trim and get the vanity and toilet installed.  Then we just wait for the granite to be finished and delivered.  We are still really happy with the progress. 

 

In other news . . .

 

Sir T is in full swing with outdoor soccer.  His first game last Sunday didn't go like we would have hoped.  We lost 3-0.  I'm not sure what was going on but the team as a whole didn't play well.  Sir T did a great job on defense but the offense just couldn't score.  Let's chalk it up to Opening Day Jitters and move forward.  This Sunday is a BIG game.  Sir T will be playing against a team that has 4 of his friends on it.  We are really excited to play this game.  It should be fun to watch as well. 

 

Sir K is doing fantastic.  He started soccer as well last week.  He is definitely not as excited about soccer as Sir T and Lady E but Willy and I want him on a team and exercising so it is what it is right now.  He is also just a few short weeks away from a VERY important milestone in his life - First Communion.  I still remember when Sir T walked down the aisle for his First Communion - still makes me emotional just thinking about it.  Such a precious moment.  I can't wait for Sir K to take his walk.  He has done a fabulous job preparing himself and I am overwhelmed with joy for him and his new journey.

 

Lady E is wrapping up Cheerleading this week.  The squad is giving their Parent's Performance on Wednesday and the whole family will be there to watch and cheer her own.  She also started soccer last week.  She is on a team that has been together for awhile so she is in her "social" element right now. 

 

Lady A is just as precious as ever.  Once a week, Willy is trying to get her over to the grandparents house for a day.  It's a tad taxing to get her there and back but she has such a great relationship with them that it's so worth it.  She is absolutely loving the beautiful weather as well.

 

Willy is still recuperating from being sick.  I think it's just a cold but it's been lingering for about a week now.  This too shall pass, right?

 

I had a night out with friends last weekend.  There were about 6 of us and we went to the Legwarmers concert again.  This is that 80s cover band that I went to a couple of months ago.  It really is a great time.  We dress up like Madonna look-alikes and make fools of ourselves.  It's great.   I must say it's very therapeutic to go out with friends and just laugh.  Mental note to self:  DO THIS MORE OFTEN.

 

That's about it.  The sunshine is the perfect medicine for the ToddlerTown.  I hope you are enjoying beautiful weather in your area.  Remember to count your blessings and I will catch up with you soon.